ABOUT US
The Strong Minds, Bright Futures Partnership is led by dedicated co-chairs who reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania’s communities and the cross-sector collaboration at the heart of this effort. Representing health care, education, and community advocacy—and hailing from different regions across the Commonwealth—they bring a deep understanding of what children and families need to thrive.
Together with over 56 founding partners across more than 30 counties, the Partnership unites educators, health providers, parent and youth advocates, civic leaders, and community organizations. Our strength lies in the range of experience, local knowledge, and shared commitment to building a future where children’s mental health is supported early and sustainably.
From rural health systems to school districts and community-based organizations, our partners are advancing smart policies, expanding access to early support, and turning ideas into action—so every child has the opportunity to thrive, close to home.
Mission Statement:
“Uniting practitioners (mental health, education, early childhood etc), health care entities, Medicaid insurers parents, youth and civic leaders in the purpose of advocating for the adoption of state-level innovations in Medicaid that will build and sustain a comprehensive and effective mental health care system that meets the preventative, primary and intensive care needs of the children it insures.”
Vision Statement:
“We envision a Pennsylvania where every child thrives supported by a robust and inclusive mental health care system. Through innovative policies, school and community-based services, and a commitment to equity, Strong Minds, Bright Futures strives to create a future where no child’s potential is limited by unmet mental health needs. Together, we are building a Commonwealth where strong minds lead to bright futures for every child.”
Want to learn more? Our research and reports provide in-depth analysis of these reforms and their impact.
CO-CHAIRS
Tina L. Clymer
County Mental Health and Developmental Services Administrator
Tina L. Clymer is a County Mental Health and Developmental Services Administrator with over 30 years of experience in Human Services. She has worked for Carbon/Monroe/Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services for 29 years and served as administrator for the past 8 years. In this role she advocates for individuals with behavioral health needs, helps to develop a robust continuum of care, and oversees the county Mental Health, Early Intervention, and Intellectual Disability/Autism Programs for the county joinder. She started her career as a Child Welfare Case Manager and then CASSP Coordinator for Monroe County and is passionate about prevention and early intervention strategies.
Ms. Clymer served on the Governor’s Behavioral Health Commission in 2022 and is currently appointed to the Governor’s Behavioral Health Council. She served on the Executive Committee for the Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators for 7 years and remains an active board member. Ms. Clymer has represented the association in various hearings, councils, and state level meetings.
Ms. Clymer holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Lebanon Valley College and a Master of Science Degree in Community Counseling from the University of Scranton. She is a licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania.
Marcus Allen
Chief Executive Officer
Marcus Allen is a dynamic and accomplished executive with more than two decades of leadership spanning both the nonprofit and private sectors. As the first Black Chief Executive Officer in Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence’s 110-year history, Marcus has redefined the organization’s impact, raising over $100 million to expand programs serving more than 200,000 children across the Greater Philadelphia region. His strategic vision has positioned BBBSI as one of the most innovative and effective affiliates in the national network.
Beyond his nonprofit leadership, Marcus brings deep experience in corporate and philanthropic governance, having served on both nonprofit and for-profit boards. He is currently a board member of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (budget > $50 million) and Public Health Management Corporation (budget > $500 million), which serves over 350,000 clients annually. He was also appointed to the Pennsylvania State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, advising on critical civil rights and equity matters.
Marcus began his career in the private sector, working in corporate operations and leading entrepreneurial ventures prior to entering the nonprofit space. He holds an MBA in Technology Management, is a proud graduate of Temple University, and is a two-time inductee into the Paine College Sports Hall of Fame. Before his business and philanthropic career, Marcus played professional basketball internationally, an experience that continues to inspire his leadership, teamwork, and resilience.
Tina L. Clymer
(pronouns: she/her/hers)
County Mental Health and Developmental Services Administrator
Tina L. Clymer is a County Mental Health and Developmental Services Administrator with over 30 years of experience in Human Services. She has worked for Carbon/Monroe/Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services for 29 years and served as administrator for the past 8 years. In this role she advocates for individuals with behavioral health needs, helps to develop a robust continuum of care, and oversees the county Mental Health, Early Intervention, and Intellectual Disability/Autism Programs for the county joinder. She started her career as a Child Welfare Case Manager and then CASSP Coordinator for Monroe County and is passionate about prevention and early intervention strategies.
Ms. Clymer served on the Governor’s Behavioral Health Commission in 2022 and is currently appointed to the Governor’s Behavioral Health Council. She served on the Executive Committee for the Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators for 7 years and remains an active board member. Ms. Clymer has represented the association in various hearings, councils, and state level meetings.
Ms. Clymer holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Lebanon Valley College and a Master of Science Degree in Community Counseling from the University of Scranton. She is a licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania.
Marcus Allen
(pronouns: he/him/his)
Chief Executive Officer
Marcus Allen is a dynamic and accomplished executive with more than two decades of leadership spanning both the nonprofit and private sectors. As the first Black Chief Executive Officer in Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence’s 110-year history, Marcus has redefined the organization’s impact, raising over $100 million to expand programs serving more than 200,000 children across the Greater Philadelphia region. His strategic vision has positioned BBBSI as one of the most innovative and effective affiliates in the national network.
Beyond his nonprofit leadership, Marcus brings deep experience in corporate and philanthropic governance, having served on both nonprofit and for-profit boards. He is currently a board member of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (budget > $50 million) and Public Health Management Corporation (budget > $500 million), which serves over 350,000 clients annually. He was also appointed to the Pennsylvania State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, advising on critical civil rights and equity matters.
Marcus began his career in the private sector, working in corporate operations and leading entrepreneurial ventures prior to entering the nonprofit space. He holds an MBA in Technology Management, is a proud graduate of Temple University, and is a two-time inductee into the Paine College Sports Hall of Fame. Before his business and philanthropic career, Marcus played professional basketball internationally, an experience that continues to inspire his leadership, teamwork, and resilience.